It’s semi-final time in the Genero Adran Trophy on Sunday, as four clubs aim to take a step closer to silverware.
Cardiff City have lost in the final of this competition in each of the last three seasons, so they will be hoping to finally get their hands on the trophy this time around.
The Bluebirds thrashed Pontardawe Town in the round of 16 before winning 3-1 away at Wrexham in the quarter-finals last month.
Iain Darbyshire’s side sit five points clear at the top of the Genero Adran Premier, despite a 2-0 home defeat to Swansea City in the final game of phase one – their first league loss in nearly two years.
The Bluebirds will be hoping to bounce back when Aberystwyth Town visit the capital for this semi-final tie, after the Seasiders booked their spot at this stage courtesy of a 4-0 win over Genero Adran North side Felinheli last weekend.
It is a third consecutive semi-final in this competition for Aberystwyth, but they are aiming to reach the final for the first time.
Gari Lewis’ side should be full of confidence though, having secured a place in the Genero Adran Premier Championship Conference where they will battle against Cardiff City, Swansea City and Wrexham in phase two.
They also held the Bluebirds to a goalless draw when they visited the capital in the league in September, before an Eliza Collie hat-trick helped City to a 5-0 win in the reverse fixture at Park Avenue.
In Sunday’s other semi-final, The New Saints will be looking to end a five-match winless streak when they host Swansea City.
Greg Draper’s side picked up just one point from their last five Genero Adran Premier phase one matches to fall out of the top four.
The last match that TNS won was their victory over Swansea University in the quarter-final of this competition in January, which followed a win over Rhyl 1879 in the round of 16.
Like Aberystwyth, the Saints are aiming to reach a first Genero Adran Trophy final after successive semi-final defeats in the last two seasons.
Swansea are two-time winners of this competition, most recently in 2021, and have reached this stage courtesy of victories against Llandudno and Cardiff Met.
The Swans grabbed a statement 2-0 victory over Cardiff City a fortnight ago to keep the Genero Adran Premier title race alive and they are now unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions.
Robyn Pinder scored a 97th-minute winner when Chris Church’s side triumphed 2-1 on their last visit to Park Hall in October, while Stacey John-Davis and Katy Hosford starred in their 5-0 victory in the reverse fixture last month.
